N.J. man charged with vehicular homicide in death of jogger

A New Jersey man has been charged in the death of a woman who was struck by a truck in July while jogging in Palmyra Township, authorities said Tuesday.

BETH BRELJE

A New Jersey man has been charged in the death of a woman who was struck by a truck in July while jogging in Palmyra Township, authorities said Tuesday.

Pennsylvania State Police have charged Philip J. Cise, 48, of Dover, with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, and homicide by vehicle in the death of Gabrielle Reuveni, 20, of Paramus, N.J.

According to a criminal complaint, a witness reported following Cise on Route 507 in Palmyra Township and observing his vehicle move in and out of its lane of travel. The witness saw Reuveni running along the side of the road and then saw Cise's truck swerve towards Reuveni and strike her, according to a criminal complaint.

An investigation by a state police collision analysis and reconstruction expert concluded that Cise was traveling at approximately 55 mph in a 45 mph zone.

As troopers spoke with Cise, he told them that he had just ingested Lithium, which he had a prescription for, but also that he had taken two other unprescribed painkillers — Gabapentin and Carbamazepine.

Cise was taken to a drug recognition expert, who concluded that Cise was under the influence of a depressant at the time of his examination, according to court records.

Troopers then took Cise for a blood test. A lab test of his blood revealed the presence of Gabapentin. A toxicologist informed investigators that it has side effects including fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision.

Pike County District Attorney Raymond Tonkin emphasized this case demonstrates the tragedy that can occur when someone takes medication not prescribed to them.

Cise is currently being held in the Morris County, N.J., jail on unrelated charges. A warrant issued by Magisterial District Judge Jay Rose for Cise will be given to New Jersey authorities as a detainer in the event he is released from the New Jersey facility.

Cise will face extradition to Pike County at a future date, Tonkin said.